Musgrove pitches 2 innings in simulated game

PITTSBURGH -- Right-hander Joe Musgrove took a step forward in his return to the mound on Wednesday morning, throwing a higher-intensity simulated game at PNC Park.

Musgrove, on the disabled list with a muscle strain in his right shoulder, threw about 35 pitches over two innings against teammates Max Moroff and Elias Diaz. He said he approached the outing with a "game-type feel," using all of his pitches and ramping up his velocity.

PITTSBURGH -- Right-hander Joe Musgrove took a step forward in his return to the mound on Wednesday morning, throwing a higher-intensity simulated game at PNC Park.

Musgrove, on the disabled list with a muscle strain in his right shoulder, threw about 35 pitches over two innings against teammates Max Moroff and Elias Diaz. He said he approached the outing with a "game-type feel," using all of his pitches and ramping up his velocity.

Musgrove has not experienced any setbacks since he was placed on the disabled list on April 2, but the Pirates have monitored the intensity of his throwing sessions. Musgrove said he had been throwing in the 75-85 mph range before airing it out on Wednesday.

"It went really well. It was really encouraging," Musgrove said. "I didn't feel like there was any abnormality in the way I was moving and the things I was doing. The ball was coming out clean. The velo was in a decent range, kind of where I was expecting it to be."

His next step, likely another sim game or a Minor League rehab assignment, will be determined by how he feels playing catch on Thursday and Friday.

"If I bounce back pretty well, then we'll take the next step forward," Musgrove said.

The 26th manThe Pirates recalled Jose Osuna from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday to serve as their 26th player in Game 2 against the Tigers. Osuna started in right field and went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the Bucs' 8-3 win.

Osuna enjoyed another strong Spring Training, but the club's decision to carry eight relievers prevented him from making the Opening Day roster.

"It was very tough in the beginning, especially because I love this team, I want to perform up here, I want to help this team win as much as I can," Osuna said through interpreter Mike Gonzalez. "But right away, through the frustration, I had to readjust my mentality because I've got to keep working."

Osuna reported to Triple-A and worked primarily at third base, a relatively new position for him, saying he feels "very comfortable, a lot more confident" there. He has made time for pregame drills at first base and in the outfield and will likely move around the field more often when he returns to Indianapolis, Hurdle said.

Around the horn• The Pirates have not announced a starter for Sunday's series finale against the Cardinals. Hurdle ruled out a bullpen game, meaning their starter will likely come from Triple-A.

"Speculation's wide open. Check the travel logs or anything you want to do," Hurdle said. "We've got some guys that will be either available before that date or on that date to pitch."

Right-hander Nick Kingham, the Bucs' No. 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, is scheduled to start Saturday for Indianapolis. If he gets the assignment, it would be his Major League debut.